Frank Sinatra: Man, The, Music, The, Legend, The

Description:
For nearly sixty years, 'Frank Sinatra' (1915-98) triumphed in concert, in the recording studio, on television, and on the big screen, refashioning his image to suit the temper of the times. Sinatra did it 'his way,' remaining both elusive and alluring, and appealing to men and women alike. This collection analyzes the qualities that ensured Sinatra's staying power: his impeccable musicality, his charisma, his tough-mindedness, and even his peccadilloes. The contributors to this volume evaluate Sinatra's impact on all areas of entertainment, and examine many of the cultural forces he influenced and was influenced by, including Bing Crosby, Elvis, the 'Beats,' the Beatles, and Rock 'n' Roll. What emerges is a portrait of an artist, entertainment icon, and legendary symbol of popular culture. This appreciation of the Sinatra phenomenon celebrates his enduring impact on American entertainment and cultural life.Contributors include: Blaine Allan, Samuel L. Chell, David Finck, Joseph Fioravanti, Jeanne Fuchs, Philip Furia, Roger Gilbert, Ruth Prigozy, Walter Raubicheck, Lisa Jo Sagolla, Ron Simon, Arnold Jay Smith, James F. Smith, Patric M.Verrone, and David Wild. Jeanne Fuchs is professor emerita of comparative literature and languages at Hofstra University; Ruth Prigozy is professor of English at Hofstra University.

Review:
A long-awaited collection of essays gathered from a famed 1998 conference at Hofstra University ... probes various aspects of Sinatra's influence in his long career... David Finck and Samuel L. Chell dissect Sinatra's vocal artistry in two succinct and exceptionally precise pieces in this collection. --Benjamin Schwarz, ATLANTIC MONTHLY, June\July 2007 It is doubtful that there will be another book dedicated so heavily to the nuts and bolts of what went into being Frank Sinatra. --Robert W. Rice, SING OUT! March 2008 A kaleidoscopic view of a multi-faceted man, this compendium benefits greatly from its various viewpoints and offers fresh insight into the Sinatra legend. -- Michael Feinstein From musical phrasing to comic strips, this compact but wide-ranging book marks a new stage in an emerging field that must now be called 'Sinatra Studies.' The variety of perspectives and topics has something to offer everyone who listens to, watches, and thinks about American popular culture. -- Jeffrey Magee, associate professor of Musicology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign